Questions to Ask Barbering Training Programs
Following is a list of questions that you will want to look into for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have already covered, the location of the school in relation to your Northampton PA residence, in addition to the expense of tuition, will probably be your primary qualifiers. Whether you wish to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will undoubtedly be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school options based on those preliminary qualifications, there are even more factors that you must research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber school. Following we have put together some of those supplemental questions that you should ask each school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's important to make certain that the barber college you choose is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education certified local or national agency, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards ensuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be necessary for getting student loans or financial aid, which typically are not offered in Northampton PA for non- accredited schools. It's also a prerequisite for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, many employers will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Each barber college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to excellent reputation within the profession. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly sought after. Visit rating services for reviews together with the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any contacts with Northampton PA barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the field, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are reviewing. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not looked into. Finally, contact the Pennsylvania school licensing authority to find out if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Some beauty schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a specific specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs frequently expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you choose a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your ambition is to be trained as a barber, make certain that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your aspiration is to open a barber shop in Northampton PA, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly ranked school with a weak program in barbering will not deliver the training you need.
Is Any Hands-On Training Provided? Practicing and perfecting barbering skills and techniques requires lots of practice on volunteers. Ask how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber classes you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on campus that enable students to practice their growing skills on volunteers. If a Northampton PA barber school furnishes limited or no scheduled live training, but rather depends heavily on using mannequins, it might not be the best alternative for acquiring your skills. Therefore search for other schools that provide this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? When a student graduates from a barber school, it's crucial that he or she gets assistance in securing that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that furnish assistance develop relationships with local businesses that are looking for qualified graduates available for hiring. Verify that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and find out which Northampton PA area shops and businesses they refer students to. In addition, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only affirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Most barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid office. Talk to a counselor and learn what student loans or grants you may qualify for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships accessible to students too. If a school fulfills each of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not eliminate it as an alternative until you learn what financial aid may be available in Northampton PA.